The Bluebird September 1996 Vo1.63, No. 3
The Audubon Society of Missouri Founded 1901 The Audubon Society ofMissouri
Officers* Directors*
Bob Lewis, President (1996) Mike Beck ( 1998) 26 Tanglewood Ct. Blue Springs (816) 229-6811 Fannington, MO 63640 (314) 756-5484 Doris Fitchett (1998) Chillicothe (816) 646-4462 Stephen Dilks, Vice President (1996) 5298 Sir Bors Dr. Apt. 3 Jim D. Wilson (1998) St. Louis, MO 63129 Jefferson City (573) 751-4115 (314) 845-9855 David Easterla (1996) Jean Graebner, Treasurer (1996) Maryville (816) 582-8468 1800 S. Roby Fann Rd. Rocheport, MO 65279 Kay Palmer (1996) (573) 698-2855 Ashland (573) 657-1910
Susan Dornfeld, Secretary (1996) Bill Reeves (1996) 700 S. Weller Fannington (314) 756-4160 Springfield, MO 65208 (417) 831-9702 Bill Clark (1997) Columbia (573) 474-4510 Susan Hazelwood, Hotline (1996) 3005 Chapel Hill Rd. Paul Bauer (1997) Columbia, MO 65203 Florissant (314) 921-3972 (573) 445-4925 Larry Herbert ( 1997) Bill Clark, Historian Joplin (417) 624-3065 3906 Grace Ellen Dr. Columbia, MO 65202 (573) 474-4510
Sydney Wade (Honorary) Jefferson City John Wylie (Honorary) Jefferson City Floyd Lawhon (Honorary) St. Joseph** *year term expires Leo Galloway (Honorary) St. Joseph **deceased Patrick Mahnkey (Honorary) Forsyth Rebecca Matthews (Honorary) Springfield
Cover by David Plank The Bluebird Quarterly Magazine of the Audubon Society of Missouri Editors: Seasonal Survey Editors: Bill & Kay Palmer Fall: Jack VanBenthuysen 15100 S. Clinkenbeard Rd. 217 Sylvester Ashland, MO 65010 St. Louis, MO 63119 (573)657-1910 (314) 961-3390
Conservation Issues Editor: Winter: Brad Jacobs, P.O. Box 180 Anita Randolph Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 619 Norris Dr. (573)751-4115 (573)635-6018 Spring: Chris Hobbs Christmas Bird Count Editor: 13121 Swartz Rd. David A. Easterla Bonner Springs, KS 66012(3 Dept. of Biol. NW MO St. U. (913) 441-2473 Maryville, Mo 64468 Office (816) 562-1813 Summer: Jim D. Wilson, P.O. Box180 Home (816) 582-8468 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 (573)751-4115 MO Bird Records Committee: Paul M. McKenzie- Chair Mark B. Robbins - Secretary U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Museum of Natural History 608 E. Cherry St. Dyche Hall Columbia, MO 65201 University of Kansas Office (573) 876-1911 Lawrence, KS 66045 Home (573) 445-3019 Office (913) 864-3657
Deadlines for submission of material for publication in The Bluebird
Manuscripts for The Bluebird- to the editors by: Feb. 1 for March issue; May 1 for June issue Aug. 1 for Sept. issue; Nov. 1 for Dec. issue
Seasonal Surveys: Winter-to Brad Jacobs by March 10 Spring-to Chris Hobbs by June 10 Summer-to Jim D. Wilson by Aug. 10 Fall-to Jack VanBenthuysen by Dec. 10
Photographs in this issue by Bill Palmer The Bluebird is printed by Ketch's Printing, Jefferson City, MO. Many thanks to Jim Ketcherside for the many services he provides. Table of Contents
September 1996 Volume 63, No.3 THE BLUEBIRD
ARTICLES
3 In Memoriam 6 Birding in Wyoming Lester Pannell 26 Notes on Fall Migration of LeConte's Sparrow Paul McKenzie 31 Bird ID Workshop Paul McKenzie 33 Breeding Record of Great-tailed Grackle Paul McKenzie 52 Texas Trip Report Steve Dilks
Center Insert
Hawk ID Workshop at Fall Meeting ASM Fall Meeting
DEPARTMENTS
4 President's Corner 20 The Missing Feather
9 Conservation Report 36 Seasonal Survey- Spring
12 The Finer Points of 57 Bird News Identification
2 IN MEMORIAM
ROGER TORY PETERSON: August 28. 1908- July 28. 1996
Roger Tory Peterson died on Sunday at his home in Old Lyme, Conn. He was 87. With the exception of the last six months, he had been active and, among other things, trying to complete the latest edition of his Eastern U.S. bird guide. During his career, he either wrote or edited nearly 50 books and contributed prefaces, indtroductions and commentary to dozens more. He also wrote many articles for a variety of magazines. His paintings and photographs of birds won much praise and he garnered prizes for his ability to teach a nation so much of what it came to know and love about bird life. In the '30s, when he began his work, there were serious questions as to whether sufficient numbers of Americans cared or could be induced to learn about bird life. At least four publishers refused to have anything to do with "A Field Guide to the Birds." Houghton-Mifflin, which took on the project in 1934, was so convinced that the book would fail that it commited itself to a first printing of only 2,000 copies and tried to persuade Peterson to waive royalties on the first thousand sold. To the surprise of his editors, the first edition sold out in two weeks. There is one bird who shares Peterson's name. It is a beautiful cinnamon-and-buff colored screech owl that lives in the highland cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru. It was unknown to science until 1976. The paper describing it was illustrated by a painting by Peterson. The English name of this rare, beautiful little owl is the Cinnamon Screech Owl. Its scientific name is Otus petersoni. Speaking about bird watchers, Peterson once said, "Whether they are princes, tycoons, housewives or kids, they tend to be a bit more civilized, a bit more aware, than most non-watchers."
takenfrom the New York Times
3 PRESIDENT'S CORNER Bob Lewis
Ed's engaging grin and his personal enthusiasm were con- tagious. Sadly, many of us came to believe this kind of chapter service was automatic and that we deserved it. But then the hammer dropped. With its finan- cial back "against the wall," N a- tional Audubon was forced to ew of us have been withdraw many of its national around long enough to F programs and particularly its remember emissaries dispatched chapter services. from National Audubon to help Ed felt lucky to keep his job solve our chapter problems and with Audubon when he was provide inspiration to chapter given a job with water resources leaders. But yes, Virginia, there and was moved east. Ron really was an Audubon Man! Klataske filled the vacuum. But Ed Pembleton served five his own heavy load included states for a few years starting in trying to save the Niobrara River August of 1980. But even spread in Nebraska and keeping the so thin as from the western bor- Platte River free. And then he ders of Oklahoma, Kansas and was given three more states to Nebraska to the Mississippi make a total of eight. Even with River boundaries of Arkansas this load Ron has worked hard to and Missouri, Ed managed to get serve the Midwest. around to see all of us with a All this conversation is lead- good slide program, a bit of ad- ing up to the statement that there vice or a good natured pat on the is a possibility a Field Office back. Audubon morale was high from National Audubon could and the strength of chapters was be opened in Missouri. Some of grow1ng. our members have been meeting
4 to explore possible ways to told the group that National has make this happen. a strategic plan to strengthen Anita Randolph, from her chapters by opening new state position as Audubon Council offices to reach Audubon goals Chair, has provided key leader- of environmental education and ship. And Brad Jacobs heads up advocacy. a steering committee to lead dis- So that's what is happening. cussion. Besides Brad, the com- I recommend that we all con- mittee is composed of Jan tinue to pursue this attractive Burch, Mike Doyen, and Mary possibility. I can see the dawn of Dueren. a period when the voice of This bunch met with Glenn Audubon in Missouri will be lis- Olson, director of field opera- tened to. Of course, we wouldn't tions for National Audubon, and expect this opportunity to be Don Arnosti, director of the handed over on a silver platter. Minnesota field office on July Maybe we'll be asked to make 13th along with 30 of our Mis- some itsy bitsy sacrifice. Let's souri Audubon members. Olson go for it!
5 Birding in Wyoming Lester Pannell
y wife, Charlene, and unusual species, Harlequin MI have recently Ducks and Cinnamon Teal. returned from a July trip to Yel- We saw 25 life birds on our lowstone National Park and the trip. The most numerous and Grand Tetons. easiest to find were Common Two previous trips to Kan- Ravens, Pine Siskins and Violet- sas had not produced a green Swallows. Fairly common Swainson's Hawk. However, were California Gulls, Clark's we identified our first in the act Nutcrackers, Brewer's Black- of catching prey north of Hays, birds, Black-billed Magpies and Kansas. Our second life sighting Mountain Bluebirds. of the trip was a Black-billed Only one or two sightings Magpie at Norton, Kansas. consisted of Pine Grosbeak, A short side trip to North Steller's Jays, Gray Jays, Platte National Wildlife Refuge, Barrow's Goldeneye and a few miles north of Scottsbluff, Oregon Juncos. Nebraska, produced our only Townsend's Solitaire. We also saw a Bullock's Oriole. A stop at Hell's Half Acre in central Wyoming produced our only two Rock Wrens. Most of Wyoming, we con- cluded, is sparse on bird num- bers. Variety is good, however. The Yellowstone River, south of the Lower and Upper Y el- lowstone Falls, contained the best concentrations of water birds. We saw a lifer, a Common Goldeneye. We did not see two Swainson' s Hawk
6 We saw Trumpeter Swans at both Yellowstone and National Elk Refuge, which joins Grand Teton on the south. Calliope Hummingbirds were seen in several locations within the Grand Tetons. Most common birds seen in Missouri, such as Robins, Bald Eagle, Gray Catbird and Ruby- crowned Kinglet, are absent or in extremely small numbers. We saw a good number of Yellow Warblers. However, we found lesser numbers of Com- mon Yellowthroats and only two Yellow-rumped Warblers
(Audubon's race). Yellow-headed Blackbird White-crowned Sparrows were common. We saw several surprise was several Western other species of sparrows. Grebes. Woodpeckers were almost National Elk Refuge harbors nonexistent. Several Common many western bird species that Flickers were observed and one would be life birds for many Hairy Woodpecker were the Missourians. However, my only only woodpeckers seen or heard life birds seen here were a pair in Wyoming. of Long-billed Dowitchers. The best surprise was a lake The only stop we made with at Cody, Wyoming, where we an abundance of wildlife in saw many duck species, Wyoming was Hutton National American Avocets and other Wildlife Refuge, 12 miles south shorebirds and good numbers of of Laramie on a dirt road. Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Ac- Refuge roads were rough, rutted, tually we saw good numbers of pathways over pratne dog Yellow-headed Blackbirds mounds, sagebrush and prickly throughout Wyoming. The best pear cactus. This 2,000-acre
7 refuge had three lakes teeming Shrikes were also plentiful. with ducks, American Avocets, We observed 100 species of Common Snipe, Yellow-headed birds in Wyoming plus Blackbirds, Mountain Plovers, numerous observations in Kan- Homed Larks, White-faced Ibis, sas, Colorado and Nebraska. California Gulls and prairie It is frustrating to know that dogs. we missed several key species, Our last major stop was at and that another trip west may be Pawnee National Grasslands in necessary to ever see many of Colorado. Rain, rough roads, them. However, many good and the lateness of the day kept memories were found in Chim- us from seeing several key ney Rock, Scottsbluff National species. However, Lark Bunt- Monument and Yell ow stone ings and Brewer's Sparrows and Grand Teton National parks. were everywhere. Loggerhead
Loggerhead Shrike
8 CONSERVATION REPORT Anita Randolph
t seems that too often the habitat protection and creation I environmental news com- along our big rivers, is continu- ing from Congress these days ing plans for expansion of the tends to be bleak and discourag- Big Muddy National Fish and ing. I am grateful to find a flurry Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish of recent mail that indicates a and Wildlife Service is examin- good deal of positive work in ing the potential for develop- progress here within Missouri ment of a series of refuges, like that will benefit conservation a string of pearls, along the Mis- and environmental well being. souri River between Kansas City and St. Louis. If the plan comes Big Rivers to fruition, the refuge would total approximately 60,000 acres. One piece of good news The federal agency is now comes directly from the National beginning work on the Environ- Audubon Society. The National mental Impact Statement, a vital Audubon board has adopted the component of the refuge plan- Missouri and Mississippi rivers ning process. Look for the draft as one of its regional campaigns. Environmental Impact State- The campaign will focus on ment this fall with opportunities wildlife habitat needs and oppor- for public comment coming tunities along the rivers. Ron soon thereafter. Klataske, director of the regional Audubon office, seeks the Missouri's Resource Future thoughts and ideas of Audubon members in shaping this cam- The departments of Conser- paign. You can learn more and vation and Natural Resources offer your thoughts to Ron at 200 have joined with a number of South Wind Place, Manhattan, other agencies and organizations KS. to take a look at the Big Picture Related to this subject of of Missouri's resource future.
9 The official name of the project diversity. Among them is estab- is Coordinated Resource lishment of new Greater Prairie Management. This effort strives Chicken booming grounds in to set long-term goals that will northern Missouri, introduction protect resources over very large of Osprey chicks at two northern regions of Missouri. This is an Missouri lakes, and the first effort to look beyond the artifi- sighting of western chicken cial boundaries of property lines turtles in Missouri since 1962 (in or county borders and recognize the bootheel). This report also that ecosystems transcend these notes that Bald Eagle popula- man-made boundaries and cover tions continue to grow steadily large expanses of land. The and that citizens reported 91 health of our natural resources sightings of black bears in 36 depends on maintaining healthy counties during 1994. interactions among the plants, animals, land, and people that Greenhouse Gas Emissions comprise the natural com- munities. Experts will undertake The Department of Natural ambitious inventories of plant Resources has completed a and animal communities and major analysis of sources of develop 50-year goals for each greenhouse gas emissions of ten sections of the state. The created by human activities program is designed to en- within Missouri. This work ex- courage citizens to get involved amined numerous sources of in these efforts and help decide greenhouse gas emissions in- how our public lands should be cluding generation of electricity, managed and how private land- automobiles, landfills, and owners may voluntarily help in various industrial and mining the effort. activities. The study calculated that 80 percent of the green- Wildlife Diversity house gas emissions in Missouri are derived from our use of fossil The Department of Conser- fuels. The next steps in the vation also recently sent out a project will identify options for summary of recent accomplish- reducing these emissions and ments in protecting wildlife evaluating the economic and en-
10 Environmental benefits and costs the Environmental Protection of the various options. Agency to veto projects or ac- tions that would destroy wet- On the Federal Level lands and would leave decision-making authority sole- There is one piece of good ly with the Corps of Engineers. news at the federal level, also. A letter of opposition from more Missouri Senator Christopher than 30 Missouri environmental Bond had indicated he would groups, including the Missouri offer his wetlands amendment to Audubon Council and Audubon legislation moving in Congress, chapters across the state, ap- but he has decided not to offer it parently helped dissuade at this point. The amendment Senator Bond. would remove authority from
Wilson's Phalarope
11 THE FINER POINTS OF IDENTIFICATION Paul McKenzie
Part V n this issue of The Bluebird, I will cover the following groups of birds: Greater vs. Lesser Scaup; American Kestrel vs. Mer- lin; IDunlin vs. Curlew Sandpiper; Inca vs. Common Ground-Dove; Eastern vs. Western Wood-Pewee; American vs. Sprague's Pipit; immature Wilson's vs. immature Yellow Warbler; Eastern vs. Western Meadowlark; and Rusty vs. Brewer's Blackbird.
Greater vs. Lesser Scaup: The most evident difference be- tween these two species is the amount of white in the trailing edge of the wing in flight. In Lesser Scaup, the white is restricted to the secondaries while it extends nearly to the outer primaries with Greater Scaup. Birders should he careful with this field mark, however; as most Lesser Scaup can show some gray in the primaries and this can look even whiter with various light reflections. Other differences between the two species are subtle but worth repeating here: adult male Greater Scaup are usually larger and tend to have more rounded heads, larger bills with larger hill tips (called nails), and whiter backs and flanks than adult male Lesser Scaup. Female Greater Scaup also have more rounded heads than female Lesser Scaup but birders should use caution basing identification on this field mark because the crowns of diving Lesser Scaup can appear more rounded than when they are sitting on the water and the head is dry. The best approach is to base your identification on field marks and try to observe the birds in flight.
12 American Kestrel vs. Mer- lin: This is usually not a prob- lem identification but because mistakes are sometimes made, especially in misidentifying female A. Kestrels as Merlins, a few points are in order. Male A. Kestrels always show ex- tensive rust on the back and tail and have two, dark, prominent marks on the side of the face. The backs of some female A. Kestrels (especially immature females) can appear rather dull brown but they are never as uniform brown as the backs of female Merlins because they are usually mottled with rusty bars. Female Merlins also have more boldly streaked underparts and fewer, wider tail bands. Female A. Kestrels also have two bold facial marks and have narrow, rusty bars in their tail. Birders should be aware that behavior also helps easily separate the two species. A. Kestrels often hover above the ground, often sail after taking several flaps and occasionally soar while riding thermals. Merlins almost never hover above the ground and fly with rapid, stiff wing beats, often very low to the ground and usually do not soar. Another field mark helps: Mertins have much bigger feet than A. Kestrels. Conse- quently, it is very difficult for a Merlin to remain balanced on a utility wire because its feet are too big to get a good grip on the wire. Of all the Merlins I have seen in over 24 years of birding, I have probably never seen more than two or three on a utility line and they were much thicker than the typical utility wire. Birders should also be aware that there are three races of Merlin: taiga (columbianus), prairie (richardsonz), and black (suckelyi). Of these, both taiga and prairie races have been observed in Missouri, with the taiga Merlin being the race most commonly seen in the state. The prairie Merlin is similar to the taiga Merlin but all ages and sexes are lighter in color than correspondingly plumaged taiga Merlins.
13 Dunlin vs. Curlew Sandpiper: Separating these two shorebirds in fresh, alter- nate plumage is a snap as Cur- lew Sandpipers have rich chestnut underparts and Dun- lins have white underparts with contrasting black belly patches. The bills of the two species are quite different. In Dunlin, the bill is nearly straight with a slight droop near the tip. With Curlew Sandpipers, the bill is curved throughout its length like a species of Curlew, hence the common name. Because basic and juvenile plumage differences between the two species can be subtle, birders should note bill shape and observe the birds in flight. Dunlins in flight show rumps the same color as their upper parts while Curlew Sandpipers have conspicuous white rumps that contrast sharply with the grayish or brownish upper parts. Birders should be aware that Curlew Sandpipers have been discovered in most mid-western states but Missouri, so you should keep on the lookout for this species.
Inca vs. Common Ground- Dove: Separating these two rarely observed Missouri species from other doves recorded from the state is not a problem because they are the only two species that show con- spicuous rufous in the upper surface of the wing in flight and they are not much bigger than an Eastern Bluebird. Common Ground- Doves have much stubbier tails and more uniformly colored backs than Inca Doves. Inca Doves show more of a scaly appearance on the back and belly and have a very monotonous "no-hope", "no-hope" call. Of the two records of Inca Dove in Missouri, both have been in urban or suburban settings_(i.e., bird feeders in two small towns- Mound City and Rocheport). While Common Ground-Doves can be
14 found in similar habitats (especially on islands in the Caribbean where it is probably the most abundant species of bird), they are more likely to be found in agricultural fields. (I had good luck in Louisiana finding them in both harvested and unharvested soybean fields.) (see Robbins and Easterla 1992: 169)
Eastern vs. Western ood- Pewee: Because Missouri is long overdue for Western Wood-Pewee [it has been reported as close to Missouri as } central Kansas (Thompson and Ely 1992:7)], birders should be alerted to some pointers in trying to identify this species. As pointed out by Kenn Kaufmann (1990:180-183), and Thompson and Ely (1992:8) however, separat- ing these two species in the field is extremely difficult, even for the experts. The following is a brief summary of Kenn's analysis. One of the best ways to separate the two is by call-Eastern Wood-Pewees give a very mournful "pee---o---weeee" and a shorter "peeee--yeer". Western Wood-Pewees have different "phee-rr-reet" ("dree-di- deep"), "che-beer", "pheer-reet", or "pzzheer" calls that tend to have a more buzzy or harsher quality. Subtle plumage differences can help. In fresh alternate plumage, W. Wood-Pewees tend to have darker, browner upper parts; darker, dingier, and browner breast band that is more continuous across the breast without the usually inter- rupted band of Easterns; throat is usually a dirtier white; and dark area of lower mandible usually covers at least the distal half. In faded, post-breeding plumage, the subtle differences between adults usually disappear such that identification of non-calling individuals is nearly impossible. Juvenile W. Wood-Pewees in fresh plumage, however, tend to be browner and darker than juvenile E. Wood-Pewees that are usually greener and more pale and usually have two non-distinct wing bars that are of different color and width (i.e., the upper wing bar is often duller and grayer than the lower one, and narrower and less distinct; with E. Wood-Pewees, the wingbars tend to be of the same
15 width and color). Anyone in Missouri attempting to identify a W. Wood-Pewee should do so with extreme caution and document the record with both photographs and recordings of calling birds if at all possible.
American vs. Sprague's Pipit: Separating these two species is rather easy based on voice. American's give sharp pip-pip, chip-it, or pi-pi-pi-pit while Sprague's give calls that have been described as "squeet", or "sweep". Sprague's have a plainer face which provides a greater contrast with the dark eye, have more heavily streaked upper parts, and have pink legs (dark in American). Sprague's Pipit is usually found in dry fields with relatively short grass. When flushed, this species usually calls and flies straight up, continues to ascend, then often makes a wide circle before suddenly dropping back to ground. Getting a good look at a Sprague's Pipit on the ground away from its breeding territory is a challenge for even the best of birders.
Immature Wilson's vs. im- mature Yellow Warbler: While identification of adults of these two species is relative- ly easy, separating immatures in fall plumage can be difficult. Because the fall migrational period for the two species over- laps, particulary from mid to late August (Robbins and Easterla 1992:284, 307), Missouri birders should use caution in identifying immatures of these two species. Here are some suggestions for distinguishing immatures-the call notes of the two species are entirely different. Yellows give a sharp,
16 musical "chip" while Wilson's utter a much drier, harsher, and usually louder "chet''. Immature Yellow Warblers have yellow tail spots on the inner web of the outer two or three tail feathers (easily seen in flight as they forage) and usually show faint yellowish wing bars and yellowish tinges to the edges of their flight feathers, while i1nmature Wilson's lack these yellow markings. Shape can help. Wilson· s tend to be longer tailed and have flatter crowns than Yellows and this gives them a somewhat slimmer appearance. Some immature female Yel- low Warblers can be very drab and approach Orange-crowned Warblers but separating these two species is usually not a problem in Missouri because most Yellow Warblers have left the state by late August, and Orange-crowns do not become common until around mid-September (Robbins and Easterla 1992: 281). Foraging height can also help separate immature Yellow from immature Wilson's. Wilson's usually forage on or near the ground where they inhabit thickets and vine tangles (there are, of course, exceptions as I oc- casionally see immature Wilson's foraging at some of the same heights you would expect to see Yellows so birders should use this tip as a help and not as an absolute) while Yellows tend to forage higher up in the canopy than Wilson's. Birders should also be careful in relying too heavily on habitat as both species can be found in willows.
Eastern vs. Western Meadowlark: Although Western Meadowlarks are most abundant in the northwestern portion of Mis- souri, they have been docu- mented as far east as the Mississippi lowlands, espe- cially during the winter season. In the Columbia area, this species usually shows up from mid-October to early November and remains until about the third week of March (pers. obs.). This species should show up anywhere in the state so birders should be alerted to its possible presence. The
17 best way to separate the two species is by songs and calls. E. Meadowlarks give an easy to imitate "wee-oooo, wee-yeeeer" and a buzzy "dzert" or "zeree" while W. Meadowlarks utter flute-like notes that have a rocky, bubbly like quality that accelerates towards the end and a diagnostic "chup", "chuck", or "tuck" call. It is difficult to put words to the song of W. Meadowlark but Bent (1965:93) reported two renditions that I particularly like: "Oh, yes .. .I'm a ... pretty-little- bird" followed by "Yup" or "U-tah' s ... a ... pretty place"-these are excellent renditions if you say "pretty-little-bird" or "pretty place" with increasing speed. Plumage can help but is not easy to see. W. Meadowlarks have paler backs, the yellow on the throat extends onto the cheek, and the dark bars on the central rectrices have clear spaces between them. E. Meadowlarks have darker backs, lack yellow on their cheeks, and the spaces between the dark bars are lacking (especially at the base of the feathers). Nonetheless, calls and songs should be used to clinch the identification.
Rusty vs. Brewer's Black- bird: Adult males are easy enough to tell apart. Rustys are uniformly black with a slight greenish cast visible in good light. Adult male Brewer's are black but with a conspicuous purplish gloss to the head and neck. Adult female Rustys are grayer overall and have yellow eyes. Adult female Brewer's are a uniform dark brown with dark eyes. Fall Rustys show a lot of rust on the upper parts including the tertials. Some fall male Brewer's can also show some rust on the upper parts but not as much as Rustys and not on the tertials. Calls and songs are also different. Rustys sing a creaking gate like "tk- tsheeik", "toolalee", "oodle-a-wee", or "koo-a-leeee" and give a harsh "tschak" call. The song and calls of Brewer's tend to be hoarser: "k-seee", "squee", "pit-eee", or "k-shiek" and a metallic "check" call.
18 Literature Cited Bent, A.C. 1965. Life histories of North American blackbirds, orioles, tanagers, and allies. Dover Publications, Inc. New York. 549pp. + 37 plates. Kaufmann, K. 1990. A Field Guide to advanced birding. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston. 299pp. Robbins, M.B., and D. i\. Easterla. 1992. The Birds ofMissouri- their distribution and abzmdance. University of Missouri Press. Columbia. 399pp. Thompson, M.C. and C. Ely. 1992. Birds in Kansas-Volume II. University of Kansas Museum of Natural History Public Educ. Series No. 12. Lawrence. 424pp.
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19 Birder Tribute: This issue's Birder Tribute goes to Jude and Charles Weir of north Kansas City who were gracious hosts to many birders during a visit of a Cape May Warbler to their feeders 7 January through 28 March 1995.
In the recent life/state bird category: An adult male Lazuli Bunting at Gene and JoAnne Ruhr' s feeder in Columbia, Missouri June 1-2 was the 317 species the author has seen in Missouri and the 337 species on Chris Hobbs' state list.
In the did you know category: Pepe Lepew beware!: Mclllhenny ( 1939) once observed a flock of Black Vultures so attracted to the smell of a striped skunk that they attacked the animal only to have it provoked to dispel its musky sn1ell. The musk only further stimulated the vultures to increase their attack to the point that they pulled the skunk apart and ate iit!
Some like it hot: Elevated nest platforms of Lesser Flamingoes on the soda flats of Lake Magadi, Kenya are sufficient enough to prevent death to eggs and young although the surrounding black mud can reach 167 degrees F during the hottest part of the day! (Welty 1982).
20 To attract a mate: While it is well known that some male birds will go to great lengths in an attempt to attract a fetnale, a Fan-tailed Warbler should perhaps get the gold medal in his attempt to win the affection of perspective mates: one male in Japan built 20 different nests, each taking an average of 6.6 days to construct; eight of the nests were used by different females (Welty 1982). Who said males were slouches around the house!?
In the what's in a term category: Rictal bristles: the proportionately long, modified contour feathers at the base of the bills of some birds (e.g., Whip-poor-will, most flycatchers, shrikes) which apparently assist them in gathering food. Kleptoparasitism: the habit of one bird robbing another of its food, usually with the piracy taking place in midair (e.g., gulls robbing pelicans; frigatebirds robbing boobies).
Bird parts- upper mandible: upper part (half) of a bird's bill lower mandible: lower part (half) of a bird' s bill culmen: ridge or center line of the upper mandible gonys: the lowermost ridge of the lower mandible and often referred to in gull identification remex: a single flight feather; plural is remiges rectrix: a single tail feather; plural is rectrices
In the bird mortality category: Have you ever felt bad after accidentally hitting a bird with your car? While that would be anyone's natural response, especially those of us who love birds, our readers should understand that bird mortality due to natural causes is a normal, annual process. In fact, there are some records that would shock all of us. Adverse weather conditions or the inability to find food have been identified as probable causes for the death of: 1) 100,000 Common Eiders along the coast of the Beaufort Sea that apparently starved to death due to adverse ice-pack conditions, 2) 148,000 waterfowl killed during two July hailstorms
21 in Alberta, 3) 1,000 Sandhill Cranes killed during a 30-minute hailstorm in New Mexico, 4) an incredible estimate of 750,000 Lapland Longspurs killed during a wet snow storm in Iowa and Minnesota, and 5) 100,000 Common Murres killed during a severe five-day storm during April in the Aleutian Islands (Welty 1982). While these statistics should not be used to encourage Fluffy to run out in the back yard to harvest several Neotropical migrants, they should help lessen the pain when we accidentally hit a bird with our car or one flies into the glass on our patio door, and remind us that bird mortality is all part of the natural process.
In the size comparison category: Ever wonder how the smallest bird in the world, the Bee Hum- mingbird of Cuba compares to the largest, the Ostrich? Bee Hum- mingbirds measure approximately 2.25 inches from tip of the bill to the tip of the tail and weigh about two grams. If an Ostrich can weigh as much as 350 pounds (and stand between eight and nine feet tall) and there are 453.59 grams in one pound, it would take about 79,378 Bee Hummingbirds to equal the weight of one Ostrich!
Birding Challenges: When I was in Louisiana, Dr. Van Remsen initiated a state-wide yard list challenge for one year to see who could identify the most species from their residence. It was a lot of fun and many of the birders in the state participated. I think it would be good to do something similar in Missouri, so I hereby challenge our readers to maintain a bird list from 1 January through 31 December 1997. Because some birders obviously live on much larger properties than others and therefore have an unfair advantage over their fellow birders, I have established the following equailizing categories: 1) Large rural residences-those that are situated on the out skirts of a city or town and have five or more acres, 2) Medium rural residences-as above but those between one and 4.9 acres, 3) Small rural residences-as number 1, but those with 0.9 acres or less.
22 4) Large suburban residences-those not situated within estab- lished city limits but in an established subdivision and those with five or more acres, 5) Medium suburban residences-as above but those between one and 4.9 acres, 6) Small suburban residences-as number 4 but those with 0.9 acres or less, 7) Large urban residences-those that are situated within estab- lished city limits and have one acre or more, and 8) Medium to small urban residences-as above but those with 0.9 acres or less.
Now here are the ground rules: 1) You must be standing on your property to count a bird, 2) Fly overs and birds identified by call or song (within 1/4 mile as is done for most bird surveys) are countable, 3) Feeders and E. Screech Owl tapes are fair game, 4) The birder who participates in the count must observe the bird. Someone else can help identify the bird or find it when he/she is not present, but the person tallying the species must observe each bird (someone with 10 children could take turns looking for birds, espe- cially in those yards that have sizeable acreage and thus have an unfair advantage over those who are single observers. Families can and are encouraged to participate, but all participants must see or hear all birds tallied), and 5) Species requiring documentation by the Missouri Bird Records Committee (MBRC) must be documented by the reporter and ac- cepted by the MBRC before it can be included in the final tally (so if you claim a fly over Eskimo Curlew or hear a Poor-will from your back porch, you need to document it!).
Birders wanting to participate should simply record what category they are in and submit their list to this author by 1 February 1997. I will announce the winners in a future issue of The Missing Feather. Winners will receive a certificate from the Audubon Sociey of Mis-
23 so uri and the Missouri Bird Records Committee for their accomplish- ments.
Birding Challenge Number Two: When I was in Louisiana, Dr. Remsen also initiated another great exercise that would be fun repeating here. Everyone was asked to predict what would be the next ten species of birds officially added to the state list. After Van received everyone's responses, he analyzed the predictions and grouped individuals to see how the opinions of different individuals varied based on their predictions. I hereby encourage all readers to submit to me their predictions for Missouri. Anyone wanting to participate should have their predic- tions to me by no later than 20 October 1996. I will analyze your predictions and have them published in the December 1996 issue of The Missing Feather. Now for some ground rules: 1) Species currently on the hypothetical list [e.g. Gyrfalcon, Baird's Sparrow, Poor-will: see Robbins and Easterla (1992) or contact a member of the MBRC for more details] that have not yet been officially added to the state list are fair game, 2) Do not include predictions for escapees that could show up due to man's assistance (e.g., Canary-winged Parakeet, Black Swan, etc.), 3) Species blown off course by hurricanes or tropical storms are OK, and 4) Discussing possibilities with others prior to submitting a final list is allowable. You don't have to be an expert to participate so let me hear your predictions.
Birding Quiz: 1) What three species of birds were first discovered as new to science in Missouri? 2) Without looking at a :field guide, see if you can come up with ten North American species of birds that have rusty undertail coverts? 3) See if you can list ten species of birds that formerly nested in Missouri but are now considered to be extirpated.
24 4) What two species of birds in Missouri have black axillaries as clinching field marks (one involving all ages and sexes and the other involving individuals in winter/basic or immature plumage)? 5) The following Bird Puzzle is for the experts. Please share the correct answer with your beginning birding friends because, remem- ber, one good tum deserves another. My wing-linings might be a clue but it's not a gray issue, it's black contrasting white; the upper surface of the leading edge of my wings near tip are primarily black; the shape of my tail is not as deep an issue; and Bertha postponed my summer visit. Who am I?
Answers: 1) Bell's Vireo, Harris Sparrow, Lark Sparrow 2) Adult male Rufous Hummingbird, adult male Allen's Hum- mingbird, Ringed Kingfisher, Say's Phoebe, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Canyon Wren, Crissal Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Bohemian Waxwing, Canyon Towhee, or Brown Towhee. 3) N. Shoveler, Swallow-tailed Kite, Peregrine Falcon, Ivory- billed Woodpecker, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Black Tern, Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parakeet and Bachman's Warbler. 4) Prairie Falcon and Black-bellied Plover. 5) Answer to this one in the next issue of The Missing Feather. However, anyone that would like to call me ahead of time at (573) 445-3019, I will give them the answer only if they take a stab at the quiz.
Literature Cited Mclllhenny, E.A. 1939. Feeding habits ofthe Black Vulture. Auk 56:472-474. Robbins, M.B., and D.A. Easterla. Birds of Missouri- Their distribution and abundance. University of Missouri Press, Columbia. 399pp. Welty, J.C. 1982. The life of birds. Saunders College Pub., Philadelphia. 754pp.
25 Notes on the Fall Migration of LeConte's Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteil) in East-central Missouri Paul M. McKenzie
lthough LeConte's Columbia and owned and ASparrow (Am- operated by the University of modramus leconteii) is a com- Missouri. During an initial trip mon fall migrant throughout on 20 October 1991, Tim Missouri, many birders never Barksdale, Dave Witten, and I see this attractive sparrow as it counted 82 LeConte's Sparrows passes through the state. The in about 4.5 hrs. of observation. purpose of this account is to According to Robbins and report on fall observations of the Easterla (1992:336) [Robbins, species made by the author in M.B., and D.A. Easterla. 1992. east-central Missouri during a Birds of Missouri-their dis- five-year period between 1991- tribution and abundance. Univ. 1995. Additionally, it is hoped of Missouri Press, Columbia. that observations on behavior 399pp.], the 82 birds was a new and habitat use will enable Mis- high count for this species souri birders to more efficiently during fall migration in Mis- locate and observe this attractive souri. Consequently, during the sparrow during the upcoming next four years, I attempted to fall migration season. get a better idea on fall migration Between 1991 and 1995, I peaks, habitat use, and relative made regular birding trips to abundance of LeConte's Spar- Bradford Farms (a more detailed row at the site by searching for account on this excellent birding this species between late Sep- area, including a check-list will tember and the first two weeks of be forthcoming in a future issue November. To compare sear- of The Bluebird). Bradford ches at Bradford Farms with an Farms is a large research facility additional site that had similar located about six miles east of habitat, we expanded our sur- 26 veys in 1993 and 1995 to include The results of the data sug- the Houf Ranch, a large, private- gest that LeConte's Sparrows ly owned farm just south of begin arriving at Bradford Farms Kingdom City, and located ca. around 15 October, with peak 20 miles east of Columbia in numbers occurring ap- Callaway County. proximately between 20 Oc-
LeConte's Sparrow
27 tober and 10 November. Al- cause they provide excellent though numbers of the species cover and seeds eaten by this rapidly decreases after 10 species. On two or three oc- November, a few linger to over- casions in 1993, Garry Houf, winter at the site. The peak Todd Houf, and myself ob- period identified (20 October- served LeConte's Sparrows per- 10 November) perfectly coin- ched on the branches of cides with observations reported switchgrass eating the fertile by Robbins and Easterla seeds of that native grass. (1990:336). The largest single number of While some LeConte's LeConte's Sparrows recorded Sparrows were observed in during our surveys was made on weedy fields containing various 30 October 1995, when 133 diocots, nodding foxtail (Setaria LeConte's Sparrows were faberii), and other exotic grasses counted between Bradford (e.g., crabgrasses- Digitaria Farms (Paul McKenzie et al., 43 ciliaris, D. cognata, D. is- birds, five hrs. of observation) chaemum, D. sanguinalis ), the and the Houf Ranch (Brad largest number of observations Jacobs et al. 90 birds, 2.75 hrs. were made in nearly pure stands of observation). The 90 in- of the following native, tall- dividuals observed by Brad grass species: big bluestem Jacobs et al. established a new (Andropogon gerardii), Indian high count for one day at a single grass (Sorghastrum nutans), locality and the two site total of switch grass (Panicum vir- 133 was the largest number of gatum), and broomsedge (An- this species ever observed in (dropogon virginicus). To a Missouri during a single day of lesser extent, the birds were also observation. observed in stands of little blue A few comments on the stem (Schizachyrium scopari- species' behavior during the last um), three-awn (Aristida spp.), five years of study at Bradford and the exotic Australian or Farms may be useful to birders Caucasian bluestem (Bothrio- attempting to observe this ( chloa bladhii). LeConte's Spar- species during the fall migration rows apparently frequent the season. I have noticed that when above-mentioned grasses be- the birds first arrive they are
28 easily approached, respond well 4) observations should be to spishing, and will often made when the wind is eight to remain perched in open view ten mph or less, and near the top of grass vegetation. 5) searches should be con- As the season progresses, how- ducted early in the morning, ever, the birds become increas- Based on these recommen- ingly wary and often fly to the dations, Missouri birders should ground and run to hide when find it easier to observe flushed. I have also learned that LeConte's Sparrows this fall. it is much easier to get a good Anyone who would like to par- look at LeConte's Sparrows if ticipate in this fall's LeConte's searches are conducted during a Sparrow survey at Bradford day when the wind velocity is Farms and the Houf Ranch low (i.e., usually less than eight should contact me at (573) 445- to ten mph) and early in the 3019 (home) or (573) 876-1911; morning (i.e., ca. 9:00 a.m. ext. 107 (work) for further CST). details. This year's survey is In summary, observations of tentatively scheduled for Satur- the last five years at Bradford day 26 October from 8:00 a.m. Farms and to a limited extent at until4:00 p.m. the Houf Ranch in east-central Missouri, suggest the following Acknowledgements for getting excellent looks at I would like to thank the per- LeConte's Sparrow during the sonnel at Bradford Farms and fall migration period: Garry, Larry, and Todd Houffor 1) peak migration occurs be- allowing us to conduct Le- tween about 20 October and 10 Conte's Sparrow surveys on November, their property. I also appreciate 2) LeConte's Sparrows are the assistance of the many mem- most frequently observed in pure bers of the Columbia Chapter of stands of big bluestem, Indian the Audubon Society of Mis- grass, switchgrass, or broom souri who helped with the sur- sedge, vey over the years. 3) birds are easiest to ap- proach soon after they first ar- nve,
29 AMERICAN SWALLOvV-TAILED KJTE
Announcement
In previous fall get togethers of the Audubon Society of Missouri (ASM), the Board of Directors (BOD) meeting has generally been held the first thing after lunch on Saturday. The Chair of the Missouri Bird Records Committee (MBRC) usually presents a report on MBRC activities from the previous year to the BOD at their meeting. Consequently, by necessity, the MBRC has had to meet prior to the BOD meeting, usually Saturday morning. As a result, members of the MBRC are usually not available to assist in leading the Saturday morning field trips. To alleviate this problem, the BOD has agreed to hold their meeting at 3:00p.m. on Saturday, September 28, and the MBRC will hold its meeting at 12:30 p.m. This change in schedule will enable MBRC members to assist with field trips on Saturday mornmg.
30 ASM FALL MEETING CAMP CLOVER POINT LAKE OF THE OZARKS
AGENDA Friday, Sept. 27
3:00p.m. Registration begins 7:00p.m. Dinner 8:00p.m. Ha Ha Tonka State Park slide program presented by park naturalist, Jody Moulder 9:00p.m. Individual slide presentations by members
I Saturday,Sept.28
7:00a.m. Breakfast 8:00a.m. Field trips: Camp Rising Sun, Brumley Hollow, below Bagnell Dam, other sites. Leaders will be identified at breakfast. 8:30a.m. People of the Past Land Use an auto tour with Tom Nagel. We will meet at and drive from the camp. Noon Lunch 12:30 p.m. Rare Birds Committee meeting 1:00 p.m. Field trips resume 3:00p.m. ASM board meeting 4:30p.m Hawk Identification Workshop 6:00p.m. Dinner 7:30p.m. Program: Jim Rathert, MDC photographer
Sunday, Sept. 29
6:30a.m. Church services 7:00a.m. Breakfast 8:00a.m. Field trips resume adding the Hawk II) Workshop field trip 10:00 a.m. Missouri Audubon Council Noon Lunch and weekend summary
BETWEEN THE LINES
Friday Evening:
Jody Moulder will be presenting a slide program on Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Some of you visited the park last year and saw the castle, cliffs, natural bridge, and forested landscape. This time, experience the whole park beginning at 8:00p.m.!
II After the program, individual members are invited to share their personal nature slides with no specified quitting time.
Saturday:
Field trips begin at 8:00a.m., immediately after breakfast. The usual attractive destinations are planned.
Tom Nagel, park naturalist, will be leading an auto tour on how people have used the land. This will include going to a sandstone outcrop (area geology and the use of certain types of rocks), Indian burial cairns, a spring for a spring house, and probably other places also. The auto tour will begin at 8:30a.m. at the camp with walking limited to 200 yards.
You've seen his fantastic photographs in the Missouri Conser- vationist and in other magazines! Well tonight you' 11 see the latest work in photography by Jim Rathert, including brilliant Painted Buntings.
After the program, several announcements and reports will be made. Registration- two basic packages: $47.00 per person: Includes lodging for Friday and Saturday evenings and all meals through Sunday lunch (six meals) $37.00 per person: Includes Saturday night lodging only and four meals beginning at noon Saturday Meals only: $6.00 per meal plus a $6.00 registration fee Students qualify for a $10.00 discount Children under 10 are free
Accommodations: Cabins include bunk and mattress, shower and rest room. You must bring bedding and toilet articles.
Reservations: Deadline for registration is Sept. 16, 1996. Send registration form with check or money order payable to Audubon Society of Missouri to Jean Graebner, 1800 S. Roby Farm Rd., Rocheport, MO 65279. Phone (573) 698- 2855. If you plan to attend only one meeting, please let Jean know. Meals requested after Sept.16 cannot be guaranteed. Bird Identification Workshop- Results of the May Questionnaire Paul McKenzie and Steve Dilks
n the last issue of The workshop will not be held in the I Bluebird, we solicited winter (although a second one responses to a questionnaire will), but will be held in conjunc- regarding whether the ASM tion with this fall's ASM meet- membership would be interested ing at the Lake of the Ozarks. in a bird identification workshop Because the meeting is often taught by members of the Mis- held at a time when good num- souri Bird Records Committee. bers of hawks are migrating and This followed a proposal by the this bird group received the most senior author to the Board of votes, the classroom part of the Directors during their Spring workshop will be held from4:30 1996 meeting. Although we to 6:00p.m. Saturday afternoon received fewer responses than September 28. One or two field we had hoped, we are pleased to trips will be held Sunday morn- announce that there was clearly ing from 8:00 until 11:45 a.m. enough interest to go on with the The Saturday evening session workshop. Groups of birds that will include slides recently pur- ASM members most frequently chased by the Missouri Bird requested workshops on are: Records Committee following hawks, flycatchers, gulls, guidelines established by the shorebirds, and sparrows. Most ASM Board of Directors during respondents also: 1) agreed that their pring 1996 meeting. Be- a workshop fee was acceptable, cause the first workshop will be 2) wanted both a field trip and held in conjunction with ASM' s classroom training for each fall meeting, no fee will be workshop, and, 3) were willing charged. to have a winter workshop. Following this workshop, To start the ball rolling, we we plan to tentatively have a have decided that the first winter session on hawks and
31 winter sparrows at Prairie State covered, please contact Steve at Park sometime in Fcbruary the address on the inside cover 1997. Further details will be of The Bluebird. Additionally, provided in the December 1996 if any of our readers are inter- issue of The Bluebird. ested in participating in either Thanks to everyone who this fall's or the February 1977 responded to the questionnaire workshop, please contact Steve and we are looking forward to by phone or mail so we can get what should be an exciting and some idea on how many people educational opportunity to all are interested in attending. All members of ASM. If you would workshops will be available to still like to respond to the ques- birders outside Missouri so pass tionnaire to put in your vote for the word to your birding friends groups of birds you would like who live in adjacent states.
Red-tailed Hawk
32 First Breeding Record of Great-tailed Grackle ( Quiscalus mexican us) East of Western Missouri Paul M. McKenzie
ccording to Robbins observed an adult female Great- A and Easter! a ( 1990), tailed Grackle feeding four breeding has been documented juveniles perched on a fence that for Great -tailed Grackles ( Quis- surrounds the treatment cells. calus mexicanus) in Cass, Har- The juveniles had recently rison, Holt, Johnson, Newton, fledged and were not able to fly and Ray counties, Missouri. On very efficiently as they would 1 June 1996, I observed an adult fly only short distances before male Great-tailed Grackle at the landing on the ground or other City of Columbia's wetland sections of the fence surround- treatment cells at McBaine bot- ing the wetland treatment cells. toms in southern Boone County, The four juveniles continually adjacent to the Eagle Bluffs followed the female while Conservation Area. Although I giving typical begging calls and could not see another Great- flickering their wings. On three tailed Grackle, the male's con- occasions I observed the adult tinued displays around an area of female feed a juvenile an dense cattails suggested that a unidentified food item. Al- female was nearby. My sup- though the adult male was ad- position of a pair of Great -tailed jacent to the family group, the Grackles at the site was con- bird did not attempt to feed any firmed when Bill Goodge and of the juveniles. Instead, the Brad Jacobs observed a male and adult male was observed calling female on 3 and 7 July, respec- and displaying fom atop a metal tively. perch that was within one of the On 9 July I returned to the wetland treatment cells. On site to determine if the pair had a three different occasions I ob- nest or young. Upon arrival, I served the adult male fly toward
33 the thick stand of cattails and 21 July, I observed the adult disappear into the vegetation. n1ale perched among cattails ad- Although I did not see another jacent to the most recently adult female, the male's be- fledged brood. The bird preened havior and repertoire of calls and occasionally called but ig- coming from the stand of cattails nored the begging young near- suggested that the bird was dis- by. My observations suggest playing to another bird. My sup- that the adult male mated with position that there were multiple the three adult females as no females with separate broods more than one adult male was was confirmed when on 21 July, observed by myself or others 1 I observed three adult females June or 3, 7, 9, and 21 July. The with young: one with five imma- polygynous behavior (where tures, one with four immatures, one male is mated to several and one with three recently females and the male generally fledged young. The latter three does not share in rearing the juveniles were observed perched young) of icterids, including atop the nest where they had ap- Great-tailed Grackles, has been parently fledged from, and they well documented (Orians 1969, did not venture far from their 1985; Welty 1982:292). perch. The nest was a large, This record constitutes the bulky structure constructed first successful nesting attempt primarily of cattails (Typha by Great-tailed Grackle east of latifolia) and various grasses western Missouri (east of War- (mostly Echinochloa crus-galli) rensburg) and the first record for woven together, and located Boone County. Interestingly, about one meter above the sur- this species could have bred at face of the water. During a one this location in 1995 as Brad hour and ten minute observation Jacobs and I observed two adult on 21 July, I observed one adult males at the same locality during female feed begging immatures the International Migratory Bird two large, brown grasshoppers. Count for Boone County on 13 Another adult female was ob- May 1995. Unfortunately, we served feeding its begging did not search the area during the young one large brown gras- summer nesting period in 1995. shopper and two katydids. On Finally, the present observation
34 extends the known breeding birds of the Americas. Univ. of range for the species in Missouri Wash. Press, Seattle. 161pp. east approximately 70 miles (113 km). Robbins, M.B., and D.A. Easterla. 1992. Birds of Mis- Literature Cited souri-their distribution and Orians, G.H. 1969. On the abundance. Univ. of Missouri evolution of mating systems in Press, Columbia. 399pp. birds and mammals. Animal Be- havior 28:347-61. Welty, J.C. 1982. The life of birds. Saunders College Pub., Orians, G.H. 1985. Black- Philadelphia. 754pp.
It's not too early to start thinking about Christmas Bird Count. This year the count period will begin on Friday, December 20 and continue until Sunday, January 5.
35 SEASONAL SURVEY
Spring Report
Chris Hobbs March 1 - May 31, 1996
ontinuing one of the coldest, driest winters in recent years, CMarch arrived with single digit temperatures and sub-zero wind chills across much of the state. The see-saw battle of un- seasonable warm-ups fighting winter's grip was most intense during the last half of March, but the first two weeks of April brought warmer temperatures. Annual rainfall remained 50% below average until the third week of April when torrential rains caused flash flooding in many south-central and southeastern counties. By most accounts, the April migration was characterized as "slow developing". Cool, rainy weather dominated until mid-May, causing a migrational bottleneck to our south. Passerine floodgates opened on May 11, a date that will appear frequently in this report, and fortuitously, the date most of the state's birders were participating in Big Days or the North American Migration Count. Another May event deserving special mention was the Lazuli Bunting "invasion". Resulting perhaps from drought conditions in the west and southwest, a remarkable seven reports were received, nearly matching the state's cumulative spring total! All were distinc- tive males and most were visiting feeders. Imagine how many more, especially females, went undetected! Feeders also played a role in the May 11 fall-out, with many observers reporting large concentra- tions of Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Indigo Buntings crowding backyard feeding stations. Eagle Bluffs CA and the adjacent sewage ponds captured the attention of Columbia area birders with its local convenience and
36 one-two punch of shorebirds and large waders. Bill Goodge predicted that established (though more distant) favorites like Swan Lake and Thomas Hill Reservoir will play second fiddle as a birding destina- tion. In any event, this new area significantly adds to the Boone County birding mix, and will undoubtedly gain "hot-spot" status for central Missouri. Other highlights docmmented and pending review by the Missouri Bird Records Committee (hereafter MBRC) include two Swallow- tailed Kites, Arctic Tern, and Western Tanager. A documented white morph Gyrfalcon was unanimously accepted by the MBRC. Undocu- mented rarity reports received, but omitted from the report, were Tricolored Heron May 11 at Schell-Osage CA and Eurasian Wigeon March 9 near Cameron, Clinton County. Those lucky few who encounter rare birds are reminded to please take a moment to docu- ment the sighting by writing a description, or sketching the subject, while you're looking at it! If a camera is available, a photograph is a bonus! The MBRC archives all submissions for the benefit of current and future researchers. Your information is extremely useful, and when presented with the care it deserves, adds impact to your efforts in the field! (Don't forget to call those rare birds in to the hotline. ed)
LOONS THROUGH WATERFOWL
Single COMMON LOONS were present at Smithville and Longview Lakes in the Kansas City area 24 March and 29 March, respectively. Each week of the period, one to two loons were present on some body of water in western Missouri. The high count for the period was four at Lake Jacomo, Jackson Co. on 8 April (CH). One lingered at SCR until31 May (MB). Grebes were generally reported in normal numbers, with 129 PIED-BILLED GREBES counted 11 May in Holt Co. (DAE, KG, JHi, RW). The last HORNED GREBE was reported 11 May from Swan Lake NWR, Chariton Co. (PS). Three EARED GREBES were present at Blue Springs Reservoir, Jackson Co. on 29 March (MB) and 12 was this season's high count at SCR on 11 May (DAE, et al). One remained there on 28 May (DAE, KG). The only WESTERN GREBES reported were three at
37 Bilby Lake, Nodaway Co. in mid-May (KG, DAE, JHi).
A single WHITE PELICAN was present 1 March at Fountain Grove CA, Linn Co. (SK). 1000+ were at Schell-Osage CA 23 March (LF) and 500+ were counted at REDA 25 March (JZ). 17 remained at SCR 30 May (DAE). DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS migrated in impressive numbers for ten days beginning 8 April. 700 were counted at Lake Jacomo 8 April (CH) and hundreds steadily streamed over Kansas City 16-18 April. A first year NEOTROPIC CORMORANT at SCR on 3 April was the earliest spring record (CH), and a different individual was found there 13 April (JG, EJ). There were few reports, but the season's first AMERICAN BITTERN was detected at SCR on 3 April (AS). Several LEAST BITIERNS were found throughout May at their usual haunts at SCR. A small rookery in Jackson Co. yielded 40+ nesting GREAT BLUE HERONS 11 May (MB). A dozen GREAT EGRETS were reported in late April at Swan Lake NWR (SK) and Schell-Osage CA (CH, m.ob). Four SNOWY EGRETS were at SCR 15 May (DAE) and three were present at Eagle Bluffs CA, Boone Co. 22 May (BG). Early for Kansas City was an adult LITTLE BLUE HERON dis- covered at Prairie Lee Lake, Jackson Co. 24 March (BF). Sixteen were at SCR 15 May (DAE, KG). CATTLE EGRETS were reported in modest numbers with two at Lake Jacomo 14 April (J&EZ) and up to 100 in Dallas Co. 17 May (fide LP). NIGHT and GREEN HERON submissions were few. Jeff Hayes reports GREEN HERON as "very scarce" despite his efforts to find the species in the southwest. This echoes the same concern expressed by Jerry Sowers last year. Readers' thoughts will be useful for the summer report.
\VHITE-FACED IBIS were widespread in the state during May, particularly in the western half. A new record high count of 51 was recorded at SCR on 17 May (DAE, KG). 17 remained there on 28 May (DAE, KG). Seven were present at Schell-Osage CA 16-20 May but dwindled to a single bird by 24-28 May (LL). After one was discovered at Eagle Bluffs 22 May (BG), 12 was the peak count 26
38 May (PM). Seven unidentifiable Plegadis were found at Weldon Springs 26 May for a St. Louis regional high count (JZ). Six Plegadis sp. were along the Gasconade River, Maries Co. on 14 May (DB). Eagle Bluffs hosted two TRUMPETER SWANS through 4 March (BG), the only swans reported during the period. 300 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE "grazed" at Cooley Lake CA, Clay Co. 24 March (CH, SA, SP). Tardy singletons were at Fountain Grove CA on 22 May (SK) and SCR on 28 May (DAE, KG). A ROSS' GOOSE rested on a farm pond near Lexington, Lafayette Co. 10 March (CH, SA, SP) while three were at Bradford Farms, Boone Co. the same day (PM). Seven were at Forest City, Holt Co. 15 March (MR) and three were bonuses on the east side of the state at Marais Temp Clair CA 30 March (NB, KL). 14 April, one was present at Cooley Lake CA (CH).
Two AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS were reported from Swan Lake NWR 16 March (SK). A drake NORTHERN PINTAIL at SCR 30 May was found by Easterla. Three male CINNAMON TEAL were reported from northwest Missouri: one at SCR 3 April (CH); one at Bob Brown CA, Holt Co. 18 April (MR) and again 4 May (SC); and a record late individual at SCR 27 May (DAB). A drake CINNAMON x BLUE-WINGED TEAL hybrid was a surprise at Schell-Osage 21 April (CH, m.ob). It most resembled a CINNAMON but had faint BLUE-WING features like speckled sides and an indistinct facial crescent. 900 NORTHERN SHOVELERS were feeding at Maryville's sewage lagoons 1 May and 753 were tallied in Holt Co. on 11 May (DAB, et al). A "pair" at Aldrich 28 May is intriguing and will likely be closely watched (JHa). Impressive numbers of GADWALL remained into May at SCR, with 680 on 11 May (DAB, et al) and475+ on 18 May (MR). By 28 May, the number was down to 55 (DAE, KG). Two "pairs" at Aldrich 28 May were surprising, and like the shovelers, will be monitored (JHa). An albino hen GADWALL was present at SCR from 4-28 May (DAE). Seven AMERICAN WIGEON at SCR 30 May was unex- pected (DAE). McKenzie reported 14 GREATER SCAUP in the Columbia area 10 March, and Lake Jacome hosted its usual small
39 group of 6-12 through mid-April (CH). One in St. Louis 11 May matched the late-date record (BR). Representing one of only a handful of spring records, a female BLACK SCOTER associated with LESSER SCAUP and RUDDY DUCKS at Lake Jacomo from 8-14 April (CH, m.ob) while two equally unexpected immature male SURF SCOTERS preferred their own company during the same period, 7-14 April (MB, m.ob). At REDA. a very late drake COM- MON GOLDENEYE and COMMON MERGANSER were bonuses for a WGNSS Big Day team on 11 May (BR)! 107 RED- BREASTED MERGANSERS were at Thomas Hill Reservoir 31 March (PM) and one lingered at SCR 5 May (BF).
HAWKS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS
A BLACK VULTURE at Roaring River SP, Barry Co. 2 May was at the western edge of its range (SA). To the north, another individual was observed at Aldrich 11 May (C&BN) and 25 were along the Niangua River in Dallas Co. 18 May (DT). The first TURKEY VULTURES in Jackson Co. were migrating 13 March (SA), and ten days later, 50 were counted 75 miles to the north in Livingston Co. (SK). Two SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were reported: one in the Palmetto area, Greene Co. on 23 April (BD), and another on 4 May at Trail of Tears SP, Cape Girardeau Co. (NY). MISSISSIPPI KITES arrived early in the Springfield area with individuals reported 19 April from eastern Greene Co. (BD, JC) and the Springfield Nature Center (AK). Two appeared at Webster Groves 26 April and Goodge found one in Columbia 21 May. On 18 May,6 ( !) were observed at SCR (BF, SA, GG). OSPREYS were on the move 13-14 April with several reports on those dates from across the state. BALD EAGLES returned to their nesting sites at Mingo N\VR and the Grand River in southeast Livingston Co. (SK). An immature was at SCR 23 May (DAE). The only NORTHERN GOSHAWK was an adult at Blue Springs Lake, Jackson Co. on 5 March (SP). No significant move- ments of BROAD-WINGED HAWKS were reported for the period. An adult SWAINSON'S HAWK at SCR 31 March was early for that
40 far north (EP). Individual ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS migrating north were reported by (MB) at Taberville Prairie, St. Clair Co. 1 March; Pershing SP, Linn Co. 2 March; and Lake Jacomo, 8 March. Two immature GOLDEN EAGLES were found 10 March, one at Fountain Grove CA and the other near Lexington, Lafayette Co. (CH, SA, EP). More AMERICAN KESTRELS than usual were noticed in Iron, Reynolds, Madison, Stoddard, and St. Francis Cos. (M&LL). MERLINS were observed at Montrose CA, Henry Co. 21 April and SCR 5 May (BF). One was at Rosecrans Airport, Buchanan Co. 27 April (MR, DK) and another at Blue Springs Reservoir 28 April (MB). Five PEREGRINE FALCONS were recorded in the northwest between 18 April and 4 May. An adult, white-morph GYRFALCON was observed by Mike Beck and others at Fountain Grove CA 9 March. This well-documented record represents only the third for Missouri. GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKENS were displaying 20-21 April in southern Nodaway Co. for the first time, with three booming males and two attentive females (LM, DAE). One was also found in Davies Co. 21 April (TM). 260 WILD TURKEYS in a single flock on 8 March in Davies Co. was extraor- dinary (TM)! A BLACK RAIL flushed 24 April and was observed again 2 May at Grand Pass CA, Saline Co (John Vogel). Jacobs visited the sight 12 May, but found the area newly inundated. VIRGINIA RAILS were found at Schell-Osage CA 18 April (LL) and Montrose CA 26 April (MB). SORAS were common at Eagle Bluffs CA (BG). COMMON MOORHEN were not found until the end of the period, with one at SCR 27-30 May (DAE) and another at Swan Lake NWR 30 May (BO). 1000 AMERICAN COOTS were estimated at Schell-Osage CA 23 March (LF) while 3000 were at SCR 11 May (DAE, et al). 27-29 March, a SANDHILL CRANE was observed south of Columbia for the third year in a row. Mike Derendinger reports the first nesting attempt of this species in Mis- souri at Marion Bottoms, Montineau Co. Unfortunately, the attempt failed.
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was scarcely reported this season, but one at Schell-Osage CA on 23 March was incredibly early
41 (LF). The early "runner-up" was a state Hotline report (uncredited) of one on 24 March from Greene Co. 29 were counted 21 May from SCR (D AE). The season's first AMERICAN GOLD EN-PLOVER reports were 3, 14 March at Eagle Bluffs (BG) and one at Bob Brown CA 15 March (MR). 60-80 birds were routine in the Palmetto area, Greene Co. between 3-13 April with 164 the maximum count 13 April in eastern Greene Co.(GS). SEMIPALMA TED PLOVER numbers were expectedly reduced from the records set last year, but were closer to normal. Six PIPING PLOVERS were reported from the northwest 26-27 April with three at Cooley Lake CA (MM) and two at Lake Contrary, Buchanan Co. (MR, DK). The only one from SCR was reported 15 May (DAE). Two BLACK-NECKED STILTS at REDA 10-11 May (NB) were anticipated by local birders. One reported at Schell-Osage CA 18 April is the earliest record for the state (LL). AMERICAN AVOCETS appeared 24-26 April at Rosendale, Andrew Co. (JHi), Swan Lake NWR (BO), and Montrose CA (MB). One at Eagle Bluffs CA was regular 5-19 May (BG) and two were at SCR 15 May (DAE). Another was at Swan Lake NWR 21 May (BO).
Eight GREATER YELLOWLEGS was a good, early start at Bob Brown CA on 15 March, along with a single LESSER YEL- LOWLEGS (MR). 500 LESSERS were at Schell-Osage CA 7 April (GP, MMc) and their numbers peaked at 3600 on 21 April at Eagle Bluffs (PM). By 1 May, that number had diminished to only 250 (BG). Three WILLETS were observed in the Palmetto area, Greene Co. 28 April (GS) and five were at SCR 15 May (DAE). SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were in record numbers on 11 May, with 53 counted at SCR (DAE, et al). Another record high count was the 13 WHIMBREL at SCR on 18 May (BF, SA, GG). HUDSONIAN GODWITS trickled through in low numbers beginning with 10 on 14 April at Cooley Lake CA. The last report was one at SCR 15 May (DAE). Four MARBLED GODWITS at REDA 23 April were an unexpected treat for George and Terry Barker. Single RUDDY TURNSTONES were found 11 May at Swan Lake NWR (BO) and SCR (DAE, et al). Thirteen was the season high at SCR 21 May
42 (DAE). Five SANDERLINGGS were scattered across the western half of the state between 28 April and IS May from Greene Co. to Maryville. One frequented Eagle Bluffs CA from I2-I9 May (BG). SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS trickled in during mid-April and built to their traditional peak of 26 May with 785 at Eagle Bluffs CA (PM). A WESTERN SANDPIPER with a distinctively colored leg band was observed at MCTS on I8 April (MR, KZ). Inquiries by Robbins revealed the bird was ringed earlier in the year along coastal Ecuador! Another WESTERN was identified at the Keller Fish Ponds, Jackson Co. 13 May (MB). A very early LEAST SANDPIPER was at Bob Brown CA I5 March (MR). II May, 185 were counted at SCR (DAE, et al). WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS numbered 489 on II May at SCR (DAE, et al) and 239 on 26 May at Eagle Bluffs CA (PM). Robbins found an early BAIRD'S SANDPIPER at Bob Brown CA on I5 March. A record high count of 450 was at Eagle Bluffs CA 2I April (PM). PEC- TORAL SANDPIPER numbers apparently peaked during the second and third weeks of April with 800 at Cooley Lake CA on I4 April (CH) and 450 at Eagle Bluffs CA 2I April (PM). High counts of DUNLIN were 50 at SCR 18 May (BF, SA, GG) and 35 at Eagle Bluffs CA on 26 May (BG ). DOWITCHERS were generally scarce, with I25 SHORT-BILLED the season high at SCR on II May (DAE, et al). Fewer than 25 LONG-BILLED were reported in any given day from March through April. The first reported was from Bob Brown CA I5 March (MR). COMMON SNIPE were well represented this year, with good numbers consistently reported, like the 300 at Cooley Lake CA 24 March (CH, SA, SP). One at Bradford Farms on II May was lagging behind (PM). WILSON'S PHALAROPE began showing up in mid-April and gradually built to a season peak of 108 birds at SCR 11 May (DAE, et al). The only RED-NECKED PHALAROPE of the season was not at SCR, but REDA on 1I May (BR, J\rB, CL)!
GULLS THROUGH SHRIKES
An adult, nuptial plun1aged LAUGHING GULL spiced things
43 up at Horseshoe Lake, Buchanan Co. on 27 April (MR, DK). An oddity was a leucistic adult FRANKLIN'S GULL at MCTS from )-11 May (DAE). Forty-five BONAPARTE'S GULLS at Aldrich on 11 May was unusual (C&BN). An impressive 3500 RING- BILLED GULLS crowded Smithville Lake on 8 April (CH) while 800was a similar ratio for the smaller Lake Jacomo the same date. A second year CALIFORNIA GULL was documented 11 May at REDA (BR, JVB, CA, KL). A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE • hat wintered in the St. Louis area was last observed 6 April.
A purported adult ARCTIC TERN was photographed at MCTS 8 May (DAE); if accepted by the MBRC, this would be a first state record. Two LEAST TERNS were reported, one at SCR 15 May :DAE) and the other at Schell-Osage CA 24 May (LL). 478 BLACK TERNS were at SCR 15 May (DAE) and three days later, 250+ remained (MR).
CUCKOO numbers appeared low this season, but with their arrival time knocking on summer's door, it may be too early to judge :heir status. Summer observers are encouraged to share their views! GREATER ROADRUNNER was observed at the Grand Palace in Branson on 22 March (JS), and near Springfield 14 April (EC). Two nests were photographed at three known locations in Taney and Barry cos. during late May (JR). One was at Hercules Glade, Taney Co. 30 May (JHa).
SHORT-EARED OWLS were reported from 1 March to early April. Ten were at Poosey CA, Livingston Co. (SK) and six were at REDA 2 April (MT, KP). Activity near Paradise, Clay Co. in May suggested possible breeding (MM). A NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL migrated through suburban St. Louis 4 April (JC, m.ob ). CHIMNEY SWIFTS were arriving 21 April at Montrose CA. One reporter strongly senses a decline in their population over the last few years and invites other observers' comments.
A state high count of 35 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS
44 were recorded 11 May in Holt Co. (DAE, et al). Seven YELLOW- BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were detected between 10 March and 5 April in Springfield.
OLIVE-SIDED FLY CATCHERS were characteristically late, with peak numbers reported the last week of May. Three were at Lake Jacomo 26 May (MB). The first YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER reports were 10-11 May, one each at Columbia (BG) and Livingston Co. (SK). Other single birds were at Mt. Washington Cemetery, Jackson Co. 15 May and Weston Bend SP 18 May (BF). Judging by most reports, ACADIAN FLYCATCHERS are doing poorly outside the Ozarks. A high count of 42 LEAST FLYCATCHERS were recorded 11 May in Jackson Co. (MB). An EASTERN PHOEBE 2 March at Fountain Grove CA was cold and early (MB). Unusual for northern Dallas Co., was a WESTERN KINGBIRD on 1 May (PS). Over 100 migrant EASTERN KINGBIRDS were seen in the Palmetto area, Greene Co. on 28 April (GS). Six pairs of SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERS were found nesting in Lee's Summit, Jackson Co. (MB), but were reported as rather scarce in the counties of Greene, Polk, and Dade (JHa).
Four TREE SWALLOWS at Schell-Osage CA on 15 March jumped the gun (LL). 20 were still present 28 May at Aldrich (JHa). One thousand NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS on 4 May in Holt Co. was a good Spring concentration (DAE, KG, JHi). Four BANK SWALLO WS were at Aldrich 28 May (JHa). CLIFF SWALLOWS arrived on schedule in mid-April, and 100 nests were counted in Christian Co. on 20 May (LR).
FISH CROW was heard and observed at Roaring River SP, Barry Co. on 2 May (SA). Four others were encountered in Taney Co. at a downtown Forsyth recycling drop-off site on 19 May (JHa). As the crow flies. this is ca. 20 miles north of known FISH CROW sites in Arkansas. Returning from last fall's big movement, northbound RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES were scattered across the state from early April to mid-May, with Springfield reporting ten in-
45 dividuals. Hayes could find only three BEWICK'S WRENS in Taney and Polk cos. between I9-31 May. Several WINTER WRENS were reported between 3-9 April in Columbia (BG). One in northwest Livingston Co. on 4 May was very late (SK). Three GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS at Aldrich on II May were unexpected (C&BN).
The season's first VEERY was found 23 April at the Springfield Nature Center (RC). Singing stragglers were at Lake Jacomo 25 May (MB) and Weston Bend SP 27 May (CH). An early GRAY- CHEEKED THRUSH was at Forest Park in St. Louis on 22 April (RK). I 0 were observed II May in Boone Co. (PM). Early SWAINSON'S THRUSHES were found 18 April in both Kansas City (SA) and St. Louis (RK). Addinall and Preston counted 27 at Weston Bend SP on 11 May. One remained at Forsyth 26 May. Between 6-16 April, HERMIT THRUSHES moved through central Missouri in good numbers. One near Springfield 5 May was late. Despite diligent searching, Hayes reports WOOD THRUSH as "alarmingly scarce" in Douglas, Christian, and Taney cos. the last week of May. Around the Rolla area, NORTHERN MOCK- INGBIRDS were perceptibly scarce (LF).
Hundreds of AMERICAN PIPITS were reported the last week of March, mostly along reservoir dams. A new spring high count of SPRAGUE'S PIPITS was established with four at Rosecrans Air- port, Buchanan Co. 23 April (MR).
An adult NORTHERN SHRIKE near Lexington, Lafayette Co. 10 March was about the fifth March record (CH, SA, EP).
VIREOS THROUGH FINCHES
Two WHITE-EYED VIREOS were a good find at Fountain Grove CA I1 May (SK). SOLITARY VIREO high counts 11 May were 1I in Jackson Co. (MB) and eight in Holt Co. (DAE, et al).
46 The rare hybrid, 'LAWRE ,NCE'S' WARBLER, frequented a Colum- bia backyard 14-16 May (Franklin Brown). GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER numbers were described as "exceptional". Conversely, TENNESSEE WARBLER was described as comparatively scarce. A NASHVILLE W ARBLER along the Eleven Point River 6 April was early (SH,MJF). Most reporters singled-out MAGNOLIA WARBLERS for their banner year, and 41 were tallied in Boone Co. 11 May (PM, BJ). Ziebollamented CAPE MAY WARBLERS were few, but Kinder enjoyed two in Livingston Co. 11 May. In mid-April, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were only trickling through Kansas City (CH). 100's appeared in the St. Louis area the weekend of 4 May (BR). BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS were conspicuously plentiful by most accounts. The flip-side was a paucity ofBLACKBURJNIAN WARBLERS. Korotev found only his seventh Forest Park 'YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER on 12 April. Hayes' eight-mile hike at Hercules Glade produced 13 singing PRAIRIE WARBLERS 31 May. As expected, PALM WARBLERS were well represented in the eastern half of the state, particularly the first week of May. Beck counted 23 at Eagle Bluffs CA on 3 May. There were scattered reports of BAY -BREASTED, WARBLERS with an early bird at Forest Park 26 April (RK). Despite that encouraging start, Ziebol stated there were few St. Louis area reports. BLACKP()LL WARBLERS had a weak showing over much of the state. Six CERULEAN WARBLERS, including five singing males, were near Roaring River SP 2 May (SA). Six more, including four males, were at Greer Crossing 4 May (SA). Likely breeders, three malles at Busiek CA 22 May, three along upper Bull Shoals' lake shore, Taney Co. 23 May, and four males at Bee Creek, Taney Co. 25 M[ay were encouraging (JHa). Forty-nine AMERICAN REDSTARTS were counted in Boone Co. 11 May (PM,BJ). For the third year in a row, a pair of WORM-EATING WARBLERS were on territory at Weston Bend SP, but reported as scarce in established territories in Christian and e. Douglas cos. (JHa). AINSON'S WARBLER was reported from Ritter Springs, Greene Co. on 4 May (P:K) . More than 30 OVENBIRDS were at Roaring River SP 2 May (SA), though none were found in nearby
47 Pine Ridge, Bee Creek. or Bear Mountain in late May (JHa). CON- NECTICUT WARBLERS were found 11 May at Weston Bend SP . (SA, EP) and in Livingston Co. (SK). Another was at Hidden Valley, in St. Louis 19 May (JZ). A HOODED WARBLER in Excelsior Springs, Ray Co., on 11 May was unexpected (JD). Despite attempts, Hayes did not find a single one in Taney Co. during May. A brilliant male WESTERN TANAGER was photographed as it fed on oranges with orioles at the home of David and Carla Dods in Parkville, Platte Co. 14-17 May. Virginia Glover must have been bewildered when she counted 27 ROSE-BREASTED GROS- BEAKS on her feeder in Chillocothe 11 May. Many observers in southern Missouri reported the same phenomenon, but on a smaller scale. One along Bee Creek, Taney Co. on 25 May was unexpected (JH). BLUE GROSBEAK reports were few, and Hayes called them "scarce" in w. Dade Co., where they should have been numerous 28 May.
Individual male LAZULI BUNTINGS were reported beginning 6 May near Weaubleau, Hickory Co. (Harold John); 10 May at Longview Lake, Jackson Co. (Steve Frye); 11 May at Lebanon, Laclede Co. (David & Mary Lou Willhite); 12-30 May at Fairfax, Atchison Co. (Evonne Wright); and 28 May through the end of period at Columbia (Gene Ruhr). Two birds with separable plumage features were observed 17-18 May at Springfield (Tim Knapp). INDIGO BUNTINGS were frequently reported at feeders before and during the 11 May migration fall-out. Twenty males were counted at a ground feeder on 4 May in n. Dallas Co. (PS). Four PAINTED BUNTINGS were observed in just 10 stops on a driving route ins. Taney Co. 24 May (JHa).
In a case of good news-bad news, DICKCISSEL numbers have improved in Taney, Ozark, and Douglas cos. though as a result of clearing upland forests into cattle pastures. Newly split, SPOTTED TOWHEES were discovered at Busch CA, St. Charles Co. 23 March, and one wintering in Lebanon was last seen in early March (LP). Another was found at Blue Springs Lake 28 April (MB). With
48 renewed interest in this species. it should be noted that late migrants can be encountered well into May, and the nearest established breed- ing range begins in western Kansas. BACHMAN'S SPARROW was unreported this season, although efforts were made at Caney Mountain. CHIPPING SPARROWS were on the move 1 April in both St. Louis and Kansas City. 85 were counted 6 May in Holt Co. as a warm-up to the record high count there of 122 on 11 May (DAE, KG, JHi, RW). A good find in St.Louis, a CLAY -COLORED SPARROW visited Weldon Springs CA 11 May (BR). Twenty- eight counted the same day at SCR was a new state high count (DAE, et al). Two LARK SPARROWS at Smithville Lake 8 April were early arrivals (CH). Over 100 SAVANNAH SPARROWS were present in St. Clair and Henry cos. 21 April (CH, m.ob) and on 23 May, 8 were still present at SCR (DAE). Seven GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS arrived at Rosecrans Airport 23 April (MR). Having never found them in the White River Ozarks before, Hayes was surprised to hear two singing males in a large Ozark Co. pasture 29 May. 29 were counted 28 May in Dade Co. at Niawathe and Stony Point Prairies (JHa). On that same date and location, an impressive 44 HENSLOW'S SPARROWS were singing (JHa). Another surprise was one singing in n. Taney Co! Over 22 were at Taberville Prairie 4 May (SA). In Livingston Co., six were found 11 May (SK). A half dozen LECONTE'S SPARROWS were kicked-up at Taber- ville Prairie on 21 April (CH, m.ob) and a late bird was at Aldrich 11 May (C&BN). Two NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS were detected this season, at Grand Pass CA 20 April (SK) and one at SCR on 28 April (BF). A FOX SPARROW I6 April at Rock Bridge SP, Boone Co. was later than average. Many observers reported a large influx of LINCOLN'S SPARROWS I5-I8 April. One at Bilby Lake 29 May was late (KG). Tower Grove Park has drawn impressive numbers of WHITE-THROATED SPAR- ROWS, and 400+ on 26 April affirms its reputation (JZ). Seven WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS lingered at Aldrich on II May (C&BN). A wintering HARRIS' SPARROW at Columbia's Brad- ford Farm was last seen 30 March (PM). A nuptial plumaged male frequented a feeder inn. Dallas Co. I-2 May (PS).
49 Over 50 SMITH'S LONGSPURS were at Rosecrans Airport 15 March (MR). 45 (including one full-nuptial male) were oblivious to observers just feet away near Montrose CA 21 April (CH, m.ob ). Incredibly, two female CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS were found at unexpected dates: one at Rosecrans Airport was observed 18 April (MR, KZ) and a record late 28 April sighting was at Camden Bottoms, Ray Co. (BF).
Up to three WESTERN MEADOWLARKS wintered at Brad- ford Farms, Boone Co., with the last departing 24 March (PM). Single YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS visited feeders ins. Kansas City 8 March (Richard Wilson) and in Pilot Knob, Iron Co. 20 May (Opal Brooks). Six were at Eagle Bluffs CA I May (BG). A female BREWER'S BLACKBIRD was identified at Bradford Farms 23 March (PM). 150 GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES was a sizeable flock at Swan Lake NWR 6 April. On 5 May, Swick videotaped a female building a nest in Greene Co. Five active nests were at one farm pond inn. Dallas Co. the end of May (PS). A single bird was spotted near Lebanon on 17 May (LP).
PURPLE FINCH were common around Columbia through March (BG) and Rolla through April (LF). The last report from Rolla was an injured female present 22 May at a feeder. Four PINE SISKINS were seen in Kansas City 18 April (CH) and another bird visited Sensenig's feeder in Tunas, Dallas Co. 4 May. Northbound EVENING GROSBEAKS appeared briefly at feeders during the first half of March. Up to 35 were at Carl Shannon's feeder in Iron Co and 12 visited Stella Young's yard in Arcadia Co.
Thank you to all contributors for your submissions, and to Mark Robbins for providing helpful comments.
ABBREVIATIONS: Aldrich=lower s.e. arm of Stockton Lake, near Aldrich, Polk Co. CA=Conservation Area (Formerly "Wildlife Area") MCTS=Mound City Truck Stop, Holt Co. (a marsh at the nw
50 comer of I-29 & Hwy. 118) m.ob=many observers REDA=Riverlands En,-ironmental Demonstration Area, West Alton, St. Charles Co. SCR=Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Holt Co. SP=State Park
OBSERVERS: SA-Steve Addinall, CA-Connie Alwood, MB-Mike Beck, DB- Dan Brueggeman, EC-Ethel Caden, JC-Jeff Cantrell, RC-Ray Carlson, JC-Jean Cook, SC-Steve Crawford, JD-Jeri Davis, SD- Susan Domfield, BD-Betty Dyer,. DAE-David Easterla, BF-Bob Fisher, MJF-MJ Fleming, LF-Linda Frederick, JG-JoAnn Garrett, BG-Bill Goodge, KG-Kirby Goslee, GG-Greg Griffith, JHa-Jeff Hayes, JHi-Jack Hilsabeck, CH-Chris Hobbs, BJ-Brad Jacobs, EJ- Evelyn Johnson, SK-Steve Kinder, AK-Andrew Kinslow, DK-Dan Kluza, RK-Randy Korotev, PK-P. Krummrich, LL-Laurence Lam- bert, KL-Kent Lannert, M&LL-Melba/Lloyd Lashley, LM-Larry Maher, MMc-Mick McHugh, MM-Mark McKellar, PM-Paul Mc- Kenzie, TM-Terry McNeely, C&BN-Charles/Bonnie Noble, BO- Bridget Olson, LP-Lester Pannell, KP-Kraig Paradise, SP-Steve Phillips, GP-Galen Pittman, EP-Eric Preston, JR-Jim Rathert, LR- Larry Rizzo, MR-Mark Robbins, BR-Bill Rowe, AS-Alice Scheil, PS-Patrick Sensenig, JS-John Smith, GS-Greg Swick, DT-D.Thur- man, MT-Mike Treffert, J\B -Jack VanBenthuysen, RW-Ryan Wim- berly, NY-Neal Young, J&EZ-Jim/Ellen Zellmer, JZ-Jim Ziebol, KZ-Kristof Zyskowski
CORRECTION: The Anna's Hummingbird reported as present from 24 Nov.-22 Dec. 1994 at the home of Jim and Kathy Ritzen, was actually present until February 2, 1995.
51 We Left Under the Light of a Total Lunar Eclipse, and the Adventure Began Steve Dilks
hat may sound like stirring about twenty feet away, Wthe beginning of an low in the reeds. Lo and behold, Indiana Jones movie, was ac- the Gray-crowned Y ellowthroat tually a south Texas trip Bill came out into clear view. (Note: Reeves and I were beginning on There are some who question April 3rd over Easter break. It that it is a true Gray-crowned was his second trip and my sixth, Y ellowthroat.) While walking and our focus was on lifers. I had around, a female White-collared called the hotlines (except Hous- Seedeater popped up at eye level ton) and made the plans to max- to give us time to examine it imize our time. Our route would thoroughly. take us through Austin, by As we walked back up to the Laredo, along the Rio Grande car, we met a couple from and back up through Houston. Quebec who just arrived to see We departed at 6:30 that eve- the yellowthroat. They informed nmg. us that since it was Easter We arrived in San Ygnacio weekend, Bentsen SP and Fal- on a hot, humid Thursday after- con Dam would be quite noon at 2:00 p.m. after having crowded. We had planned on driven all night. On the hotline camping at Falcon Dam were directions to go up a path Thursday night and at Bentsen to look for a Gray-crowned Yel- Friday and Saturday nights. I lowthroat below a goat pen. didn't know what this would do (Don't disturb the goats.) The to the bird-finding, and chances trail faded out below the pen were we wouldn't be able to close to the reeds. Therefore, we camp at Bentsen. In Zapata, I stood there wondcri ng where to called the park and they said they go next. While pondering this would hold a spot for us question, movement was seen Thursday and Friday nights if 52 we could come now. That meant Even without water pressure or skipping the Falcon Dam area hot water, the shower still felt and driving an extra hour, but at great. The Blue Bunting was least we would have a place to another thing. camp and a chance for the rare We walked by the trailer Blue Bunting. I told them yes, campsites where people usually and we were on our way. feed birds. We saw many com- After we got the tent set up mon lower Rio Grande resi- in the dark (neither of us had ever dents. Other birders who also used this tent before), we were searching were a foursome decided to walk the outer park from Germany, two groups from road in search of a possible Fer- England, and people from dif- ruginous Pygmy-Owl. We used ferent states. During our roam- our flashlights only when we ing, a group of small birds came saw something move, like a through the area. One of them striped skunk, an armadillo, and included a Tropical Parula. I had a rabbit. We heard an Elf Owl, a been looking for this one since Lesser Nighthawk, and some- 1980. There were kettles with thing that went whoop, Whoop, thousands of Broad-winged WHOOP. We had no idea of Hawks rising over the park. We what would make that night call had a Ringed Kingfisher at the along the Rio Grande, so we kept resaca (oxbow lake). There were going. (Two days later I asked also five Muscovies in the staff at Santa Ana concerning vicinity of the resaca and what that may have been. They campground. Even though they didn't have any idea, but they were free-flying and it wasn't said they wouldn't have walked over the Rio Grande, I assumed there at night. Maybe if I had that they weren't just used to whooped back, we would have people like some Chachalacas found out what was out there in being hand-fed. I also assumed that mesquite.) those Chachalacas were wild Following being serenaded birds. that night by screech owls (the In the afternoon we walked tent was under one's cavity), we down the Rio Grande Trail to got up the next morning for a look for whatever we could find. shower and the Blue Bunting. We stopped at an old resaca and
53 saw some good birds. Also, a very few people. The tent was Gray Hawk flew over the trees still standing with only one stake on the other side of the resaca. (A pulled up by the wind. We went pair was reported nesting in the ahead to try to sleep, but it area.) Since we couldn't see the wasn't easy. The tent seemed to upper end of the resaca, we went breathe on its own, exhale and back up the trail, got a scope and inhale. I waited for the tent to went off into the mesquite. collapse any moment. It never Meanwhile clouds had been did. It did turn out that thickening and the wind was Brownsville had a record low of picking up. We finally made it 45 degrees F. The strong winds through the mesquite and would have brought a wind chill various sharp woody plants to down into the 30s. the upper end. We really didn't The next morning was find anything else, but it was in- definitely cool. We packed up teresting. We walked back and and went to site #2 for the Blue went to look one more time for Bunting before we headed over the Blue Bunting at the to Santa Ana. There were al- campsites. We left there at 4:30 ready about 15 people, but no p.m. for Santa Ana. one had seen it. It was rumored We arrived at Santa Ana and that it was seen the day before at by now the winds were stronger, 4:45. Well, people began to walk the temperature was dropping, on down the road, and finally and a light rain was driving Bill and I did also. After a while, through. I tried to phone a person we turned around to go back to from there to get the location of the car and drive to Santa Ana. where the parrots and parakeets As we rounded the bend, there would roost. I couldn't get an was a Minnesota vehicle sitting answer. Meanwhile, a Buff-bel- at site #2, and he began to flash lied Hummingbird showed up at his lights at us. I knew what that some tubular red flowers in front meant. I ran up there to find out of the visitor center. It was too that he had just seen it four dark now to find parrots anyway. minutes ago. Great! Gradually We went into town to the Pizza more and more people began to Hut. collect. We waited 10 minutes, Back at the park, we saw 20 minutes, 40 minutes. After
54 about 50 minutes had gone by, p.m .. We changed our destina- someone yelled out, I see it! We tion from Brownsville (we all looked to see where he was thought maybe we could camp looking and some began to there along the coast, and jump gather around him. It was still in the gulf, but thought it might among the trees, but finally it be too cold), to drive north made a dip down and back up. I toward Houston as far as we went down onto the asphalt and could. One reason we changed laid there to look up under the plans was that birders told us front limbs and yelled that I about Masked Ducks and a Kelp could see it. Another person then Gull. We decided to stay in a dived onto the asphalt beside me. motel because the next night we I wondered how many more would be driving all night. would lie down there too. (Bill Along the road north we saw said later that he wasn't getting many hawks (White-tailed), and down for any bird.) The male the sky began to clear. Finally Blue Bunting cooperated very we arrived at a motel about an well and came into view for all hour southwest of Houston. there. I was even able to see it in It was a beautiful crisp morn- a scope; a dark, velvet blue. I ran ing. We drove an hour to Brazos down the park road to let any Bend State Park, which lies a other birders who might still be little southwest of Houston. The searching to inform them of the large live oaks with hanging bunting. I found two people and Spanish moss and green grass they hurried back. Bill and I then made it a really attractive park. went on to Santa Ana. We followed the directions to go There wasn't any particular down a levee and past an obser- bird to see at this fine refuge. vation tower. Marsh birds were We just wanted to check it out. plentiful and allowed us to get We met the Minnesota guy and quite close. Finally we saw three another person from Montana. female and two male Masked We took to the trails and did see Ducks at 40 feet from us. The many birds. Probably the best morning sunlight really brought bird was a Clay-colored Robin. out the rich brown on the males. The day was cool, breezy, and Close by was an alligator, which solid cloud cover. We left at 3:00 I photographed on his one-eyed
55 side. Now it was on to Galveston step on Kentucky and Hooded Island. Warblers and Wood Thrushes. It took about an hour to get Other "common" birds were to the south jetty on the island. Swainson's and Worm-eating This was where the Kelp Gull warblers. We enjoyed seetng (we didn't have a book with a this! description of it) was to be found We drove then to nearby I thought with all this water, Anahuac NWR to see a few won't this be like looking for a hopefuls. The most interesting needle in a haystack? Many gulls things there were the alligators. were around and they were in all However, we saw King Rails, sorts of water areas. Anyway, we several wader species, and lots arrived at the beach and walked of nutria. We stayed until about to the south jetty. It was a low 7:30 and then headed back to jetty and we could tell we were Farmington. We arrived in town going to get wet, but maybe at 10:30 Monday morning with we'll see something out there. a total of 208 species for the trip. Before we started, we saw four Bill saw seven lifers and I saw men with telescopes standing on five. Although it was a tiring the beach. It looked like a good trip, it also was invigorating. idea to ask them about the gull. Looks like its going to be Sure enough, they had it spotted. Arizona next time. They also had a book on gulls of the world. This one was from South America for its first visit to Texas. We watched it swim, fly, and walk the beach. Couldn't have gotten a better view. A Glaucous Gull was also present. We continued from there north to High Island. This town has a sanctuary. Passerines migrating across the gulf drop in to rest after their long flight. We SWAINSONSS WARBLER had to watch out that we didn't
56 Input from all ASM mem- BIRD NEWS bers as well as all interested non- members is welcome. Material can be added or updated on a daily basis in most instances (with an occasional gap when I am out of town).
Some suggestions to make this site useful to birders every- where:
Reports of birding ac- ASM'S WWW Page tivities and upcoming Dave Witten events from birding groups throughout the state The ASM Internet world Comments on conserva- wide web page has been tion issues launched and is running full time Birding hot spots on my server. The best way to get Good birding locations it is at the following address: Maps http :1/mobirds.mig.missouri. Photos edu (all lower case letters) Current observations A link to this page can be We want this to be YOUR reached at: Internet site-Here's to good http :1/www .coin.missouri.edu birding! /community/rec-center/mo- audubon/asmmain.html Material can be directed to: We hope this www site Dave Witten promotes birding in our state. To 601 Covered Bridge Rd. accomplish this we need input • Columbia, MO 65203 from throughout our area regard- Telephone: (573) 442-7991 ing the content and format of our Fax: (573) 882-6129 web pages. Good material from E-mail: [email protected]. all sources that emphasizes Mis- missouri.edu souri birding is badly needed.
57 Osprey Reintroduction raise their own young. Ospreys Program used to breed in Missouri but Lucie Lawrence. Missouri disappeared in the late 1800s. Department of Conservation The chicks were six weeks old when they arrived in Mis- This year 12 Osprey chicks souri. Age is an important factor were brought to Pony Express in ensuring success of the im- Lake CA and Mark Twain Lake printing process. Before six from Minnesota. The Missouri weeks they are too young to care Department of Conservation for, and after eight weeks, they (MDC) hopes to imprint the have already imprinted on their young transplants on Missouri nest site in Minnesota. sites so they will return here to The chicks are raised in four-
Osprey
58 foot cube hack boxes on towers Other dangers faced by the eight to 12 feet tall. The hack Ospreys include power lines and boxes are covered with wire becoming tangled in discarded mesh, allowing the birds to see fishing line. Intense summer their surroundings. Until the heat and humidity also can be Ospreys can feed themselves, hazardous for the birds. MDC MDC workers catch fish from and Corps of Engineers the lake-enough to feed each biologists spray the chicks with bird about one pound per day. water and feed them liquids Volunteers from the Midland when necessary to reduce heat Empire Audubon Society in St. stress. Unfortunately, this is not Joseph have been feeding the always effective. Ospreys be- young Ospreys at Pony Express. come dehydrated very quickly The Corps of Engineers staff at due to their high metabolism. It Mark Twain Lake has been feed- is believed that this is what hap- ing the Ospreys there with fish pened to two chicks, one at each from the MDC' s Hunnewell hack site, that died within their Hatchery. first three days in Missouri this After two to four weeks the year. birds are strong enough to fly. The remaining ten Ospreys The doors of their hack boxes are are doing fine and are expected opened to allow the birds to to survive. begin a life on their own. You The Osprey Reintroduction will recognize these birds by the Program will continue for at spray-painted patches on the least three more years, with the birds' wings and numbered leg goal of hacking eight to 12 bands. chicks per year until the year The reintroduction effort 2000. MDC plans to spread the began last summer when MDC program throughout the state, placed four Osprey chicks in a hacking Ospreys in ten different hack box at Thomas Hill Reser- sites. If the next few years are voir and four at Mark Twain successful, Missouri will soon Lake. Only five of the eight sur- have a growing population of vived, because raccoons ate Ospreys fishing in the state's three of the chicks at Mark waters. Twain Lake.
59 60 Join
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